Spatially-bounded Audio Rendering via Boundary Channel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to render spatially-bounded audio elements when only the exterior representation is given, allowing listeners to perceive a plausible audio representation from inside the audio element's extent.

Innovation Solution

The method involves obtaining an exterior representation of the audio element and generating an interior representation based on it, using techniques such as signal processing and decorrelation to create a unified and efficient rendering solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple duplicates of a mono audio object are created to represent spatial extent, then the perception of spatially homogeneous object is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial representation accuracyVSAvoidrendering system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio element is segmented into multiple audio channels, each associated with a different spatial position on the boundary of the audio element. This segmentation allows the system to represent spatial extent without creating full duplicates of the entire audio object, reducing complexity while maintaining spatial accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from representing audio in 3D space with multiple duplicates to representing audio on a 2D boundary surface with distributed channels. This dimensional reduction simplifies the rendering system while preserving the perception of spatial extent through the distributed channel architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If a mesh structure or parametric description format is used to describe complicated audio element shape, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio element shape accuracyVSAvoiddata structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boundary of the audio element is segmented into discrete positions where audio channels are distributed. This segmentation allows complex shapes to be represented without requiring full mesh structures, as the audio channels are placed at key boundary positions rather than covering every surface point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex parametric descriptions or mesh structures, the patent uses simplified positional data for audio channel distribution. This copying approach places audio channels at representative boundary positions, capturing the essential shape characteristics without the complexity of detailed geometric representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the listener moves inside the spatial boundary of the audio element, then the immersive audio representation is improved, but the rendering complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio representation qualityVSAvoidrendering process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines whether the listener is inside or outside the audio element boundary and applies different rendering strategies accordingly. When inside, the system uses the distributed audio channels to create immersive surround sound; when outside, it uses the same channels to create directional sound from the boundary. This dynamic adaptation maintains quality without requiring separate complex rendering systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distributed audio channel architecture serves multiple functions: it provides immersive surround sound when the listener is inside the boundary and directional sound when outside. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate interior and exterior rendering systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining audio quality in both scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If a source-centric representation is used when the listener is outside the audio element, then the audio rendering accuracy is improved, but the adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio rendering accuracyVSAvoidrendering format flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed audio channel representation is universal and works for both interior and exterior listening positions. Unlike traditional source-centric representations that are optimized only for exterior positions, this architecture adapts to provide accurate rendering whether the listener is inside or outside the audio element boundary, eliminating the need for format switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the rendering approach based on listener position relative to the audio element boundary. The same distributed channel architecture is used, but the processing and signal routing change dynamically to provide source-centric behavior when outside and listener-centric behavior when inside, maintaining accuracy across both scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250031003A1Spatially-bounded audio elements with derived interior representation
Publication Date: 2025.01.23 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20250031003A1 patent drawing
  • US20250031003A1 patent drawing
  • US20250031003A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for rendering an audio element is provided. The method comprises obtaining an exterior representation of the audio element. The method further comprises based on the obtained exterior representation, generating an interior representation of the audio element.